Dig out those stretchy pants people, you’re going to need them! Famed for its artisan breads and perfect pastries, Hambleton Bakery in St Ives has amassed a dedicated following of fans – and no wonder.

Dishing up fabulous, award-winning artisan breads and knock-out cakes and pastries, this place is your go-to for drool-worthy dough. Everything is handmade, free of additives and preservatives, and baked daily using traditional techniques. On the menu, you’ll find over 20 varieties of sumptuous sourdough, spelt and rye, as well as dee-licious savouries, cakes and desserts.

Owned by Tim Hart (who also runs Hart’s Hotel & Kitchen in Nottingham and Michelin-starred Hambleton Hall on Rutland Water), the St Ives shop serves breads and treats crafted using traditional methods that taste a world away from supermarket loaves. Plus every product possible is locally sourced including using regeneratively farmed wheat, free range eggs, milk and cheese.

Luckily for Cambs’ residents the Hambleton Bakery in St Ives at 3 Library Row is one of two branches that has a sit-in café serving a brilliant choice of paninis, filled croissants, daily soup, savoury and sweet tarts, cakes, cruffins and doughnuts.

If you’re Leicestershire way, be sure to check out the brilliant (and big) bakery and café in Exton, Rutland. There are also bakeries to visit on your travels in Stamford, Market Harborough, Oundle, West Bridgford and Rothley.